In a tragic turn of events in Santa Monica, California, a 31-year-old man has been arrested following the death of his father, Jubilant Sykes, who was a distinguished opera singer. The incident has sent ripples of shock through the community.

Authorities were alerted to a possible assault late Monday evening at a residence located on the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers were greeted at the door by the victim’s wife, who appeared distressed.

Inside the home, police discovered 71-year-old Jubilant Sykes suffering from severe injuries indicative of a stabbing. Despite their efforts, he was declared dead on the scene, intensifying the somber atmosphere.

Micah Sykes, the son of the victim, was present in the home at the time and has since been taken into custody by police in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities piece together the circumstances leading up to this heartbreaking event.

Micah Sykes, the victim’s son, was found inside the home and was later taken into custody, according to police.

“The suspect will be booked for homicide, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration,” said police in a statement released Tuesday morning.

Forensic specialists were seen processing evidence early Tuesday morning. Police said the weapon has since been recovered.

It’s unclear what led to the incident.

“I walked over and saw the crime tape and knew that something big had happened,” said a neighbor who did not want to be identified. “The coroner was here, and it’s just a very quiet neighborhood. It’s very scary. I heard it was a domestic dispute, but it’s just sad when that happens around the holidays.”

Investigators told KABC, our sister station in Los Angeles, the suspect has a history of mental health struggles and is cooperating with police.

Meantime, there are no threats to the surrounding community.

Who was Jubilant Sykes?

Sykes was a well known, Grammy nominated opera singer with a career that spanned decades. He sang at hundreds of major venues around the world as well as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.

Vienna Hayes, the cousin of the victim, said he was an “amazing singer, amazing person, amazing personality. He was just a light.”

Many described him as an artist who remained devoted to his community in spite of his success.

“He’s always doing things throughout the world, but never forgot where he came from,” said Pam Forbes.

Anyone with information on this incident is being asked to contact SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov by calling 310-458-8451 or emailing peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov.

You can also call the SMPD Watch Commander any time at 310-458-8427.